Can I claim SS spousal benefits at 62 if my husband is on SSDI, not yet at FRA?

Yes, you absolutely CAN file for spousal benefits when your husband is on SSDI. For spousal benefit purposes, SSDI is treated exactly the same as regular Social Security retirement. You don't need to wait until he reaches FRA and converts to retirement benefits. You can apply as soon as you reach 62, though keep in mind you'll get a reduced amount by claiming before your own FRA. Your benefit would be approximately 32.5% of his full benefit amount rather than the 50% you'd get by waiting until your FRA.

when my wife was on disabilty i had same question and got wrong info from ss office on phone! they told me to wait but later found out from another worker I could of been getting benefits for almost a year i missed out on! definitely apply right away

My sister just went through this exact situation last year. She applied at 62 while her husband was still on disability (he's 59). Got approved no problem. Good luck!

To clarify the technical details: Under Social Security rules, SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is considered the same as retirement benefits for spousal benefit purposes. The law specifically defines a "disability insurance benefit" as a "primary insurance amount" that can trigger auxiliary benefits like spousal benefits. You can apply at 62, but be aware that: 1. You'll receive a permanently reduced amount (about 32.5% of his PIA instead of 50%) 2. If you're still working, the earnings test will apply until you reach your FRA 3. If your own retirement benefit is close to the spousal amount, it might be worth running calculations both ways Bring your marriage certificate, birth certificate, Social Security card, and a photo ID when you apply.

I finally got through to Social Security last month after trying for WEEKS about a similar question. Busy signals, disconnects, being on hold for hours only to get cut off... it was a nightmare! I ended up using this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person at SSA in under 15 minutes. Saved me so much frustration! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Their website is claimyr.com - definitely worth it when you need to actually speak with someone at SSA instead of getting the runaround on their automated system. The agent I spoke with confirmed that you can absolutely apply for spousal benefits when your spouse is on SSDI.

I think everyone is missing the point about disability vs retirement!!! SSDI ISN'T THE SAME as regular social security!!! I had to wait until my husband switched from disability to retirement benefits at his FRA before I could claim spousal. The SSA office in Dallas told me this specifically last year!

When I was trying to figure this out for my mom, I kept getting different answers too! So frustrating! She ended up waiting 8 months unnecessarily because one SSA rep gave her the wrong info. Make sure you apply RIGHT AWAY when you turn 62 since they only do 6 months of retroactive benefits for spousal (not the full 12 months they do for some other benefits). Don't lose out on money like my mom did!!!

dose anyone know if they check if your married for real? my friend and his girfriend been together 25 years but never got married legal, shes thinking of applying on his record

I remember when I applied for spousal, they wanted our marriage certificate from 1982! Took me forever to find it in the attic. Make sure you have all your paperwork ready before you apply!

As someone who just went through this process myself, I can confirm that you absolutely CAN apply for spousal benefits at 62 while your husband is on SSDI! I was in almost the exact same situation - my husband has been on disability for 4 years and I just turned 62 last month. I applied online and was approved within 3 weeks. The key thing to remember is that SSDI counts the same as retirement benefits for spousal purposes. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise! I'd recommend applying online at ssa.gov if possible - it was much easier than trying to get through on the phone. Just have your marriage certificate, birth certificate, and Social Security numbers ready. Good luck!

I work as a benefits counselor and can confirm what others have said - you absolutely can claim spousal benefits at 62 while your husband is on SSDI! The confusion often comes from SSA reps who aren't fully trained on this rule. SSDI and retirement benefits are treated identically for spousal benefit purposes under Section 202(b) of the Social Security Act. A few tips for your application: - Apply online at ssa.gov if possible to avoid phone wait times - Have your marriage certificate, birth certificates, and SSNs ready - Consider whether the reduced benefit (about 67.5% of the full spousal amount) makes sense for your situation - Remember that at your FRA, if your own benefit grows larger than the spousal amount, SSA will automatically switch you Don't let misinformation cost you months of benefits you're entitled to receive!